Abu Hamza, radical Muslim cleric on trial in US, denies any role in kidnapping of tourists in Yemen

Radical Muslim cleric Abu Hamza has denied any role in a kidnapping of tourists in Yemen that led to the death of an Australian man.

Sydneysider Andrew Thirsk was one of 16 tourists kidnapped in 1998 by an Islamic militant group in Yemen.

He and three other British hostages were killed during the rescue bid. His wife Catherine Spence survived.

Hamza, who is on trial in New York on terrorism charges, has pleaded not guilty to conspiring to support the kidnappers.

He told the jury he had provided a satellite phone for rebel soldiers months before they kidnapped the tourists and spoke to their leader just three hours after the hostages were taken.

But he insisted under questioning from his attorney that he did not know about the kidnapping beforehand and said he felt betrayed when he was told about it.

"Innocent people are not to be touched," he said. "You can see this in my preaching."

He said he was merely a mouthpiece for Yemeni Islamists, comparing his role to that of Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams.

When he received a call from the militants' leader three hours after the kidnapping, Hamza said he offered to negotiate on the militants' behalf.

He said he purchased additional minutes for the phone to allow the hostages to contact their families.

"I am at war with the Yemeni government," he said. "But this is not the way to conduct a war."

Hamza claims attack was 'Islamically' justified

The jurors heard last week from two of the hostages, including Mary Quin, who interviewed Hamza in London years later. During their recorded conversation, the imam said the kidnapping was "Islamically" justified.

Hamza's lawyer, Joshua Dratel, also asked him on Monday about a comment he made last week, when he said he "loved" former Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.

Hamza said that the "undisciplined" bin Laden caused Afghanis a lot of pain with his tactics.

"I've held him accountable for that," he said.

Hamza testified last week that he lost his hands and eye in an accidental explosion in Pakistan two decades ago, though British officials claim he was injured while fighting Soviet troops in Afghanistan with the Mujahideen.

Prosecutors have shown the jury numerous taped incendiary statements from Hamza, including one in which he praised the September 11 attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people in the US.

In a nod to those speeches, Mr Dratel noted on Monday that Hamza had used a lot of "harsh language" and said: "You've been a pain in the neck."

"A squeaky wheel," Hamza replied.

When Mr Dratel asked if Hamza had ever committed any of the crimes with which he is charged, Hamza replied: "Never."